CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FWAA) - The Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America officially announce Charlie Weis, head football coach of the University of Notre Dame, as keynote speaker for the 2005 Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet, scheduled for Dec. 5.

"I'm excited and honored to be named the keynote speaker at the 2005 Bronko Nagurski Award dinner. I'd like to thank the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America for inviting me to attend. I look forward to seeing all of my friends in the Charlotte area and all of the honorees," commented Weis.

Charlie Weis is considered to be one of the most innovative and creative coaches in football today. Career highlights include:

• 1978: University of Notre Dame graduate
• 1989: Master of Education, University of South Carolina
• 1990–92: Assistant coach defense, New York Giants (1990 Super Bowl Champions)
• 1993–96: Tight ends coach, running backs coach, receivers coach, New England Patriots
• 1997-99: Assistant offensive coach, New York Jets
• 1999-2004: Offensive coordinator, New England Patriots (2001, '03, '04 Super Bowl Champions)
• 2004: Head football coach, University of Notre Dame (First alumnus to hold position in 42 years)

"The Charlotte Touchdown Club is thrilled to have Coach Weis give this year's Nagurski keynote address. His high energy combined with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game, will make for a very memorable evening," said John Rocco, executive director of the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is presented annually by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America to the nation’s most outstanding defensive football player. The Charlotte Touchdown Club also honors local college and high school football players and over the last decade has raised over $500,000 for student athletic scholarships throughout the Charlotte Metro Area.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy Award finalists will be announced on Nov. 14, with the award presented on Dec. 5 at the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Awards Banquet in Charlotte.